Let’s face it: working on roofs is dangerous. In addition to routine workplace hazards, workers face the consistent risk of fatal falls and accidents. That’s why effective rooftop safety and fall protection is so important.
Typically, when people think of fall protection, they might imagine safety harnesses, lifelines, and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE). But did you know that employers can implement several other fall protection measures in addition to these systems? It’s true: installing handrails, guardrails, safety gates, and even modular work platforms can help create a comprehensive rooftop safety system that you can count on. In this post, we’ll explain how to take proper precautions when working on a roof and all the safety equipment you’ll need to protect your workers at every turn.
Common Rooftop Hazards
Uncontrolled edges are the most common hazard workers encounter when working on a rooftop. However, there are several other risks you should be aware of, including:
Sloped or uneven surfaces
Challenging weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice
Cable trays, HVAC ducting & piping
Parapet walls
Every rooftop will have different risks and challenges. That’s why it is important to assess your workplace and identify any potential hazards thoroughly. Review all your access points, unprotected edges, and common walking paths. Next, once you’ve determined where you need fall protection, partner with a trusted supplier like Northern Platforms. We’ll help make your rooftop safer, provide equipment suggestions, and offer turnkey installation services.
Beyond PPE: Guardrails, Safety Swing Gates and Modular Work Platforms
One of the best ways to work safely on a roof is to remove falling hazards wherever possible. In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety requires fall protection in any situation where workers could fall from a height of 3 metres (10 feet) or more. This includes the use of fixed barriers, surface opening protections, and warning barriers, in addition to PPE. At Northern Platforms, we regularly recommend ErectaStep’s modular industrial platforms for safe access to your facility’s rooftop. These versatile, safe access solutions can be used to get over, around, or on top of rooftop obstacles, such as cable trays, HVAC systems, or pipes. Plus, since this system is modular, you can easily customize your walkways, crossover stairs, and work platforms to avoid the unique obstacles and challenges in your workplace. Not sure where to start? As a certified ErectaStep supplier, the Northern Platforms team can design and build your rooftop access solution quickly, no matter how complex your needs. With our digital real-time configuration tool, we plan, draw, and quote your modular work platforms within minutes. Contact us today to get started!
Northern Platforms: Your Experts in Rooftop Safety
Ready to make your operations safer, smarter, and more efficient in 2025? As Western Canada’s trusted safe access equipment supplier, Northern Platforms is here to help. We’ve been helping companies with their safe access equipment and loading systems since 2002. No matter your needs, we have the expertise and know-how to craft a solution that integrates seamlessly into your site. Don’t wait to revolutionize your operations–schedule a site assessment today!
For workers in the liquid chemicals industry, one of the most crucial parts of their job is having access to safety equipment that makes completing day-to-day tasks easier. While this might sound straightforward, it is more challenging than you think. Completing even the most basic jobs safely and comfortably can be complicated with dangerous built-in systems and consistent equipment design flaws.
That’s why investing in the best safety equipment is so important. It can help improve the efficiency of your operations and ensure that your workers are protected. Products like portable truck access stairs, loading racks, and fall protection systems all work together to ensure your workers’ protection at every turn.
In this post, we’ll explain why you should add a mobile access unit to your operations and how the Northern Platforms team can help you find the right solution.
What are Portable Truck Access Stairs?
Portable truck access stairs, also known as mobile access units or tanker ladders, are used to safely climb on top of tanker trucks and railcars to complete inspections, venting, loading, and unloading. These units are safer alternatives to the preexisting ladders on tanker trucks, which usually have thin rungs and inadequate fall protection. These ladders can be extremely unsafe, especially in Alberta and BC’s cold and wet climates.
Portable vs Permanent Truck Fall Protection: What’s Right for You?
Portable stairs with a platform are ideal for temporary or remote job sites, where investing in a permanent solution doesn’t make sense. Similarly, if your workplace requires a lot of flexibility, portable racks are great for their versatility and mobility. However, here’s what you should remember: investing in permanentfall protection systems like truck loading racks and platforms is smarter in some situations. For example, if your facility has a fixed loading lane or unloading bay where tanker trucks regularly drive in and out, a permanent solution makes the most sense for you.
At Northern Platforms, we stock a variety of permanent and portable fall protection systems. Not sure which solution is right for you? Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect safe access system for your unique needs. Read more about Tanker Truck Fall Protection Options at Northern Platforms. Ask yourself:
Do you load/unload/work on trucks/railcars in many different locations on your site?
Do you deal primarily with vehicles of varying heights, sizes, and types?
Is your worksite temporary or remote?
Are there obstacles or environmental conditions that prevent a permanent installation?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, keep reading! Next, we’ll discuss SafeRack’s MAUI, the best portable truck access stairs in the business.
Choosing the Best Portable Access Unit: SafeRack’s MAUI
Now that you’ve determined that a mobile tanker ladder is right for you, it’s time to find the perfect unit. That’s where SafeRack’s MAUI comes in. Unlike most mobile tanker truck fall protection systems that require support from the vehicle, the SafeRack MAUI is a self-supporting unit. This means it does not need to rest on the trailer, ensuring stability and preventing the risk of tipping over, even on uneven surfaces. Plus, it comes equipped with a safety cage and no-flat tires. All these features make the MAUI reliable and preferred by all our customers in the liquid chemical business.
SafeRack’s MAUI 10/14 vs MAUI 12/16
The MAUI comes in two different heights.
MAUI 10/14 Mobile Loading Platform
MAUI 12/16 Mobile Loading Platform
Ladder Height
10’ to 14’
12’ to 16’
Vehicle Access Height
9’6” to 14’0” (ATV Model: 11′- 6 ¾” to 15′ – 6 ¾”)
12’0 to 16’0” (ATV Model: 13′-6 ¾” to 17′-6 ¾”)
Load Capacity
2,000 lbs (907 kg)
2,300 lbs (1,043 kg)
Both models are available with perpendicular or parallel configurations. Choose perpendicular for easy spotting with tankers. Parallel is best suited for increased maneuverability in tight spaces. Additionally, the MAUI is available in an ATV model, which is ideal for rugged terrain. Remember that the ATV has slightly different vehicle access heights than the traditional MAUI. If you have questions, contact a Northern Platforms team member for more information.
Choose Northern Platforms for Portable Tanker Ladders and More
Looking to level up your operations in 2025? Investing in truck loading and unloading systems is a great place to start. These racks can improve efficiency on your site and protect your workers. In this post, we’ll outline what every potential buyer should consider before investing in a truck loading platform in 2025. Keep reading to learn more!
Key Features of Truck Loading Platforms
Looking to select the right rack for you? Consider the following features:
Load Capacity: How much does your loading platform need to handle?
Adjustability: Do you need to load and unload trucks of varying heights and sizes?
Hatch Configuration: Do your trucks have bottom or top loading hatches? Do they have both?
Mobility: Do you regularly load and unload trucks in the same location?
Regulatory Compliance: Does the loading platform comply with your area’s local and national regulations?
Workers regularly risk falls, slips, and other accidents when loading and unloading tanker trucks. A misplaced step could result in a fatal fall without proper fall protection. When you invest in truck loading platforms, your workers can get up and down from these trucks quickly and safely. Plus, if your rack is designed with your workers in mind, they are less likely to put their health at risk by cutting corners or misusing the equipment.
Increase Productivity
Simply put, safer workers mean better operations. When you reduce the amount of worker injuries, you increase the efficiency of your operations and ensure that you are consistently meeting the demands of your business.
SafeRack’s Truck Loading Platforms
If you are debating which brand to partner with for your new loading system, look no further: SafeRack’s products are undoubtedly the best in the business. Self-adjusting stair gangways ensure a level walking experience for workers at all times. This system is also ideal for many customers because it easily fits around both rounded tanker trucks and square isotainers. Customers also prefer SafeRack over their competitors due to integrated safety cages, meaning that workers are always protected from falls. Additional key features of SafeRack’s truck loading platforms include:
Gangways have a 500 lb load capacity
Gangways are often equipment with a safety cage
Adaptable configurations including tracking gangway to allow for miss-spotting of vehicles
Can be supplied with loading arms
Made from heavy-gauge galvanized steel or aluminum
Custom Loading Systems from Northern Platforms
At Northern Platforms, we are here to help every step of the way. From design to delivery to installation, we’ll ensure your new loading and unloading racks integrate seamlessly into your existing operation. We have over 20 years of experience building safe and efficient truck loading racks, so you can count on us to have your system designed quickly! Trust the Northern Platforms team for anything from routine operations to one-of-a-kind situations. We can customize your truck loading platform to include:
Start designing your truck loading system with Northern Platforms today! Simply schedule a site visit, and one of our experts will assess your operation and provide suggestions for your new system. Trusted for our exceptional customer service, the Northern Platforms team has made worksites safer and more efficient since 2002. Contact us today to get started!
Let’s face it: warehouses, plants, and other industrial facilities are full of hazards. Whether it’s heavy machinery, unprotected edges, or chemical exposure, the risk of worker injury lurks around every corner. Ask yourself: what are you doing to make your site safer for your workers?
The fact is that more than 40,000 Canadian workers are injured yearly from falling accidents. But what if we told you that you could help significantly reduce this number with one simple piece of equipment? It’s true–all you need is a pallet of YellowGate’s self-closing industrial safety gates from your local safe access equipment supplier. In this post, we’ll discuss the countless benefits of this product and how to use it to make your site safer and more compliant within minutes. Keep reading to learn more!
The Importance of Safety Swing Gates
Historically, worksites have relied on chains to secure openings to stairways and ladders. However, due to new OSHA regulations, there has been a shift away from this solution. Instead, employers have transitioned to more reliable and comprehensive fall protection methods, such as safety swing gates. These crucial fall protection systems help prevent falls without requiring workers to wear active fall protection, like harnesses or safety lines.
These safety solutions are superior to chains for a variety of reasons. As mentioned, OSHA no longer allows chains for fall protection on ladders and stairways, meaning you could be fined for leaving your access points unsecured. Additionally, safety swing gates significantly reduce human error by being self-closing. While chains can be easily overlooked, forgotten, or left open, YellowGate products are spring-loaded and automatically close behind you, eliminating falling hazards altogether.
One Product, Endless Applications
Ready to improve the safety of your site? With YellowGate’s universal mounting kit, you can rest assured that this product will work for every location, surface, or opening in your facility that needs a safety gate. They can be installed onto walls, square stock, angle iron, and round rails or pipes. Plus, they are adjustable and can be used on openings ranging from 24” (61cm) to 37” (94cm).
Thanks to their versatility, these protective gates are used in many industries, including oil and gas, food processing, rail, manufacturing, and more. Here are some common uses for YellowGate’s safety gates:
Ladder & stairway openings
Rooftop access points
Restricted areas
Elevated work platforms
Loading docks
Temporary work areas
Additional Benefits of YellowGate’s Swing Gates
In addition to protecting your workers, YellowGate products are the best safety swing gates on the market thanks to several unique and high-quality features, including:
Stainless steel mounting hardware
Lightweight & rust-proof aluminum construction
Proprietary hidden springs
Universal mounting, both perpendicular and parallel
Adjustable swing direction
Preassembled construction for fast installation
How to Install YellowGate’s Self-Closing Safety Swing Gates
With YellowGate’s newest model, adding adjustable swing gates to your operation has never been easier. Here’s how to install a safety swing gate in three simple steps:
Step 1
Decide whether you need the parallel or perpendicular orientation. If parallel, skip to step 2. If perpendicular, simply remove the parallel mount spring and replace it with the provided perpendicular mount spring.
Step 2
Next, attach your gate using one of the three bolt anchors provided with your product.
Step 3
Finally, adjust your self-closing gate to the proper size. Tighten the clamps.
Northern Platforms: Your Source for Safe Access Solutions
Are you ready to make your industrial facility or plant safer? Contact the Northern Platforms team today! We have pallets of self-closing swing gates in stock now and ready to ship from our warehouse in Leduc. Plus, our inventory includes hundreds of other safe access solutions from trusted suppliers like ErectaStep, SafeRack, RollaStep, and more. Explore our inventory and get ready to level up your worksite.
Railcar wheel chocks are essential in any rail loading system These simple pieces of equipment prevent accidental movement when loading, unloading, or working on a railcar. According to OSHA regulations, workers must use wheel chocks and car brakes whenever a railcar is being worked on. You can purchase this equipment from your local supplier of safe-access equipment.
Types of Railcar Chocks
Several types of railcar chocks are available for different situations. Whether you are dealing with exposed rail, need something that blocks movement in both directions, or are looking for special features, it’s essential to select the right device for loading your railcars safely. Let’s review the differences between these types of railcar chocks.
Exposed vs Flush
What type of rail are you working on? This will determine what kind of chock you should use. Exposed rail chocks are designed for tracks where the rail is open to the ties. On the other hand, flush rail chocks work for situations where the rail is encased in pavement.
Single Wheel vs Double Wheel
Next, consider how much security you need. Do you need to block movement in both directions? Will your tracks have vibrations or a slight grade? If you answered yes to either of these questions, we recommend double chocks, which provide high protection for cars being worked on. Single chocks should be sufficient if your tracks are completely flat and experience little to no vibration.
Not sure what type of chock is right for you? We’ll break down proper chocking procedures later in this post.
Tips for Using Railcar Chocks Effectively
Pair Them with Other Railcar Safety Equipment & Fall Protection Systems
Pairing your wheel chocks with other safety equipment can help bring your safety system to the next level and substantially reduce your risk of accidents. For example, blue flags should be used whenever rail cars are loaded, unloaded, or worked on. They warn approaching vehicle operators that there are workers in the area and to proceed cautiously. Additionally, we recommend investing in a safe loading platform designed to handle the unique challenges associated with working on railcars.
Follow Proper Wheel Chock Procedures
You’ll need to make sure that you are using your chocks correctly. When determining how many wheel chocks you need for your railcar, consider the following:
For single cars
If idle, on a storage track, and being worked: Use double chocks on each end of the car to block movement in both directions.
If idle and being worked on a slight dip: Single chocks on the foremost wheel on both sets of wheels to prevent it from rolling in one direction.
For multiple cars
If coupled and moved forward to be unloaded/loaded: Brake and chock both ends of the primary car being worked on, and brake and chock additional cars if needed.
If uncoupled for separate work: Brake and chock each car individually.
Remember never to use wheel chocks for railcars on slopes or hills. Instead, use car stops or rail skates.
Get the Most Out of Your Chocks with Aldon’s Replaceable Spurs
All good wheel chocks feature spurs, which are strong, heat-treated pieces of metal that bite into the rail and prevent the chock from slipping. However, much like a knife, the spurs in your chock will dull over time. Luckily for you, Aldon’s railroad wheel chocks feature replaceable spurs, meaning you can extend the life of your equipment and avoid costly replacement fees.
You can tell that your spurs have dulled when your wheel chock starts sliding. When this happens, simply tap the spur out of its slot and re-insert it with a new edge exposed. Then, once you’ve used all available sides, you can purchase replacement spurs.
Choose Northern Platforms for Turnkey Railcar Loading and Fall Protection Systems
As Western Canada’s choice for railcar loading systems, Northern Platforms has everything you need to make your operations safer, smarter, and more efficient. When you partner with us, you’ll get access to our extensive inventory of safe access solutions from trusted suppliers like SafeRack, Aldon, and more. Plus, we offer turnkey installation and preventative maintenance to all our customers.
When dealing with LPG loading and unloading, there are two important factors to consider. First, propane and other gases are difficult and dangerous to deal with. During transportation, the railcars are pressurized to keep the chemicals in a liquefied state. This allows for easy movement of a high volume of natural gas by rail. However, the biggest challenge is safely loading and unloading, as this substance can be highly volatile if not handled correctly. For example, if the railcar pressure is not carefully maintained, the LPG can become a gas again, resulting in a deadly explosion.
Secondly, any company that stores, handles, or transports liquid petroleum products is subject to the regulations set out in NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. This document helps mitigate risks, ensures safe installations, and prevents failures that could lead to fires and explosions. The complexity of these regulations, paired with the hazards of handling these chemicals, highlights the importance of proper and comprehensive safe loading systems from a qualified provider.
The Solution: Safe Railcar Loading & Unloading Systems
If you plan to deal with LPG in your rail operations, you will need a fully NFPA 58 compliant loading station. This includes safe access to the top of the railcar through a loading platform, safety cage, and gangway. It will also need to feature automatic shutdown valves in case of an emergency such as a fire, leak, or railcar rollaway. Your system should also include tight connections, vapour recovery systems, and adequate fall protection.
“Bull Horn” Loading Arm: A single arm that divides into dual connections. LPG railcars typically have three connections (two product lines and one vapour line).
“A” Frame Loader: Favoured for its flexibility, long reach, and easy maneuverability. It is ideal for loading racks that feature dual unloading lines.
When all these elements are combined, you can rest assured that your railcar loading system is efficient, safe, and compliant.
Trust Northern Platforms for Customized LPG Loading Systems
When selecting your equipment, you’ll want to design a system you can count on to keep things running smoothly, especially since your system will be used daily. That’s where an expert safe access provider comes in. These professionals have the expertise and experience to consider your site’s specific needs and install a system that works best for you. For example, when you partner with Northern Platforms, our team will visit your operation, interview your workers, and engineer a solution based on their answers. In addition to loading systems, we can provide recommendations for crossovers, work platforms, and more to help ensure you have the safest and most efficient loading system possible.
Ready to get started? Learn more about how Northern Platforms can revolutionize your operations, and schedule your site visit today!
